Tokyo Joe's rolling into New Year with first franchise deal

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The Denver-based Asian concept is using "spoke and wheel" approach to accelerate its westward expansion.

Pond: Poised to make a splash in 2015

This could be the breakout year for Hunter Pond and his East Hampton Sandwich Co. The young entrepreneur's three-unit chain is set to double its footprint in…

Adding kiosks? Read this first

by Nicole Troxell — Associate Editor, Networld Media Group

POS kiosks can be essential tools in enabling customers to have a more pleasurable dining experience. But are there certain features restaurant owners and…

Executive round table: Fast casual segment leaders make their 2015 predictions

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Local marketing, local sourcing, mobile technologies and customer service initiatives are all expected to move to the front burner in the New Year.

Rearview 2014: Mobile helps brands reduce friction, stay connected

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mobile technology helped brands reduce friction and connect with customers in 2014.

Rearview 2014: Cause marketing moves from fundraising to partnerships

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Cause marketing went to the next level in 2014, beyond raising awareness and funds for a cause to deep partnerships between restaurants and non-profits.

Rearview 2014: Here's what we were hungry for

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

What did we want to nosh on in 2014? Not gluten. And maybe we're getting sick of pumpkin spice, too.

Rearview 2014: Millennials take the wheel

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

As more and more of their contemporaries move into leadership roles, millennials are moving from the passenger side to the driver's seat.

Competition for talent among hot trends for employers in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The upswing in the economy means competition for talent will heat up in 2015. That means employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting and…

Digital strategy produces 119% jump in Tijuana Flats' online ordering

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A simplified website, local SEO optimization, Pandora ads and special events for bloggers helped lift sales and drive traffic to Tijuana Flats stores.

The four 'Cs' driving Jason's Deli's success

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Jason's Deli racks up around $2.5M in AUVs. It's achieving that success by sticking with its core strengths, listening to customers, maintaining control and…

Dickey's in the spotlight for cooking competition show

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Dickey's will be the latest brand featured in TNT's cooking competition show "On the Menu." The winning dish will debut as an LTO the day after the episode…

The chefs have spoken: Menu trend predictions for 2015

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

After years on the rise, gluten-free cuisine has fallen out of the top 10 list of the National Restaurant Association's annual survey.

'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

Secrets to successful restaurant site selection

Tour prospective sites in order from worst to best, which will allow you to become more confident, ask better questions and be more in control of the leasing…

8 tips for heading off holiday scheduling stress

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Increased traffic coupled with more requests for time off can add up to scheduling stress. Check out these tips for reducing the stress.

The wait is over: FDA issues final menu labeling regulations

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

The FDA's 395-page document includes menu labeling by the slice, not the whole pizza, a ruling applauded by the restaurant industry.

Smashburger CMO: Better burgers are here to stay

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Smashburger grew by about 20 percent this year, and it's likely it will continue that pace next year, according to newly-appointed CMO Josh Kern.

Of note on social media: Panda Express 'joy spotting' campaign

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

An eight-hour social media campaign yielded a 389-percent increase in mentions of the brand on Twitter and a 24-percent increase in followers.

Restaurant organizations apprehensive about Obama's executive action on immigration

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

It has been estimated that about 20 percent of chefs, head cooks and cooks in the restaurant industry are undocumented immigrants.